Contents Volume 41 Number 7 February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa, Florida, is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism At what point does one just admit that Purim is for kids? Answer: Not as long as there is still some “kid” inside each of us! The holiday of Purim is a reminder of the ancient teaching in Pirke Avot (Ethics Of Our Ancestors): “Do not look at a flask of wine but at its contents. You can find a new flask containing old wine and an old flask that does not hold even new wine.” Or, on a more contemporary note, “don’t judge a book by its cover!” In truth, only the body ages, the soul remains the bastion of eternal youth (if one lets it!). Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, in her book The Tapestry Of Jewish Time, notes that at its root, the Book of Esther “is a serious story with lofty ideas about roles of bravery, sacrifice, luck and hope, a story about our ability to overcome fate, a story about believing in ourselves even though we were never taught how. And it is a story about our romantic desires to be rulers-just and benevolent rulers- and to be desired for our beauty as well as for our wisdom, to save those we love, to command fealty, to root out evil, to throw ourselves into danger and emerge victorious, to be hailed a hero.” As one ages, it is not uncommon to fill Message from the Rabbi By Rabbi Howard Siegel (continued on next page) President’s Message ........................ p. 5 Facility Focus................................... p. 6 Sisterhood ....................................... p. 9 Brotherhood.................................. p. 11 Tree of Life Long Learning............... p.13 The Academy ................................. p.14 Kids’ Konnections ........................... p.15 Youth Groups ................................. p.16 Events Calendar ............................. p.18 Yahrzeits & Birthdays ..................... p. 20 Anniversaries ................................. p. 21 Donations...................................... p. 21
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Transcript
Contents
Volume 41 Number 7 February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778
Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa, Florida, is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
At what point does one just admit that Purim is for kids? Answer: Not as long as there is still some “kid” inside each of us! The holiday of Purim is a reminder
of the ancient teaching in Pirke Avot (Ethics Of Our Ancestors): “Do not look at a flask of wine but at its contents. You can find a new flask containing old wine and an old flask that does not hold even new wine.” Or, on a more contemporary note, “don’t judge a book by its cover!” In truth, only the body ages, the soul remains the bastion of eternal youth (if one lets it!).
Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, in her book The Tapestry Of Jewish Time, notes that at its root, the Book of Esther “is a serious story with lofty ideas about roles of bravery, sacrifice, luck and hope, a story about our ability to overcome fate, a story about believing in ourselves even though we were never taught how. And it is a story about our romantic desires to be rulers-just and benevolent rulers-and to be desired for our beauty as well as for our wisdom, to save those we love, to command fealty, to root out evil, to throw ourselves into danger and emerge victorious, to be hailed a hero.”
As one ages, it is not uncommon to fill
Message from the RabbiBy Rabbi Howard Siegel
(continued on next page)
President’s Message ........................ p. 5
Facility Focus ................................... p. 6
Sisterhood ....................................... p. 9
The Kol Ami ChaiLites is published on the first of every month by Congregation Kol Ami, Conservative Congregation affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
All articles and announcements are due two weeks prior to the month being published. We reserve the right to edit for length and consistent editorial tone.
The ChaiLites is published 11 times a year.
AdvertisingPlease contact the office at 813-962-6338.
Message from the Rabbi (continued from page 1)
a lonely moment with dreams and visions of what could have been and what still may be. One dose of Purim is capable of whisking away the cynicism and skepticism of adulthood, if for only a moment, and returning one to the world of imagination and make-believe. A world of villains and heroes, princes and queens, good prevailing against evil, a time when in the words of the Book of Esther, “for the Jews there was light and happi-ness, joy and honor.”
Rabbi Cardin asks, “Beyond the genesis of the book, what does it mean that this tale, of the thousands of tales that were told over time, was canonized by the Jewish people and is cherished to this very day?” It means Purim nourishes the “eternal youth” of our soul when it is most needed.
This year, we celebrate Purim on Wednesday evening, February 28, 2018 and Thursday, March 1st.
Be happy. . . not only is it the month of Adar, but time for Purim!
Rabbi Howard Siegel
We thank you for your efforts and dedication to Torah study.
Todah Rabbah!
Kol Ami wishes to acknowledge our congregants who have recently read Torah:
Joey Benjamin
Benjamin Berger
Nancy Berman
Martha Birnbaum
Jeremy Ehrenpreis
Steve Ehrenpreis
Seth Forman
Barbara Freedland
Miriam Hinds
Terri Hinds
Craig Kalter
Hannah Lazarus
Susan Leibowitz
Terry Rosenwasser
Michael Sinnreich
Arielle Solomon
Steven Specter
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 3
Request from Rabbi Siegel & Cantor BethPlease keep us informed of significant events in your family life. It is our desire to
be of help and service to you in times of special need. It is especially important that
we know of those in the hospital, and assisted living or nursing homes, so that we
can visit and they may be included in a prayer for recovery at Shabbat Services.
February Candle Lighting TimesFebruary 2 .............................5:53 p.m.
February 9 .............................5:58 p.m.
February 16 ...........................6:04 p.m.
February 23 ...........................6:08 p.m.
February Torah PortionsFebruary 3 .......................................Yitro
February 10 ..........................Mishpatim / Shabbat Shekalim
February 17 ...............................Terumah
February 24 ......Tetzaveh / Shabbat Zachor
Weekly Service ScheduleFriday Evenings ........................ 6:30 p.m.
Shabbat Mornings ................... 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Minyan ........................ 9:15 a.m.
Mon. - Thurs. Minyanim ............. 7:30 p.m.
Shabbat & Services at Kol Ami
Life Cycle EventsIf you wish to have a life cycle event included in the ChaiLites, please contact Christie Self at least two weeks before the 1st-of-the-month publication date at 813-962-6338 or [email protected].
Mazel Tov to:
Jeremy Ehrenpreis and his family on him becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Hamakom Yinakhem, Condolences to:
Marc & Sheryl Tindell & family at the passing of their beloved Mother and Grandmother, Elaine Tindell.
Ethel & Kalman Pila & family at the passing of their beloved Father and Grandfather, Norman Sholk.
Susan & Ron Pross & family at the passing of their beloved Mother and Grandmother, Beatrice Hymes.
Lloyd & Patti Morgenstern at the passing of his beloved Mother, Sondra Morgenstern.
Lisa & Paul Weinberger & family at the passing of their beloved Grandmother and Great Grand-mother, Sondra Morgenstern.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 57784
Trip To
March 16-25, 2018Join Rabbi Siegel for an ʺexperience of a lifetime“ in Israel. Experience the past, be a part of the present, and meet some of Israelʹs pioneers of the future. All this, and more, when Kol Ami goes to Israel.
SOME OF THE TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Shabbat in JerusalemTour of the
Israel Supreme CourtHands-On “Tikkun Olam”
ExperienceVisit to Kibbutz Hannaton
Wine-Tasting In The Golan Heights
Prayer Experience At the “Egalitarian Kotel”
Clandestine Munitions Factory At Ayalon InstituteA “Dip” In The Dead Sea
And much more. . . .
PricingLAND: $3,739 USD per person (double occupancy/ single supplement + $1,045 USD) plus cost of airfare
Attend A "No Obligations" Information Meeting To Learn About The Israel Trip On:
Thursday evening, October 19, 2017 at 7:30PM after Minyan
Rabbi Siegel & Tour Educator Shari Robins
Kol Ami is pleased to welcome Rabbi Josh Wohl and his wife, Julie, to visit for the weekend of February 9 -11.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In addition to regular services throughout the weekend, a congregational Q&A (Question and Answer) with Rabbi Wohl is scheduled for Saturday, Shabbat afternoon with the candidate in the sanctuary at 12:45 p.m. immediately following Kiddush lunch. Babysitting will be extended to 2:45 p.m. Please make every effort to stay after Kiddush luncheon to get to know Rabbi Wohl.
While the weekend schedule continues to be in the planning stages, please mark your calendar for the below confirmed opportunities to be with and experience Rabbi Wohl.
Congregational Opportunities to Meet Rabbi Josh Wohl, Candidate for Our Future Rabbi Position
Friday, February 9
6:30 p.m....... Shabbat Services with Rabbi Wohl immediately followed by a light Oneg in the front lobby.
Saturday, February 10
8:30 a.m. ...... Shabbat Torah study session with Rabbi Wohl in the social hall.
9:30 a.m. ...... Shabbat services with Rabbi Wohl on the pulpit, followed by congregational Kiddush lunch in the social hall.
12:45 p.m..... Join Rabbi Wohl in the sanctuary for a congregational Q&A. The congregation will be able to ask questions of Rabbi Wohl to learn more about him.
1:45 p.m....... Join the Search Committee for a congregational discussion after the Q&A.
Rabbi Wohl will visit our youth at the USY Lock-In Saturday evening.
Sunday, February 11
9:15 a.m. ......Regular Sunday morning minyan.
10:00 a.m. .... Rabbi Wohl will visit classes in our Kol Yeladim Religious School during the time of the Brotherhood’s 2nd Sunday Lecture and Brunch event with Hillsborough County State Attorney, Andrew Warren.
ByachadBy Avi Elias, President
We have accom-plished a lot in the 2017-18 Fiscal Year – we have grown the number of families that belong to Congregation Kol
Ami. We continue to work hard to live within our financial means. We continue to develop new and exciting programs to bring to our “Kehillah Kedoshah” – our Holy Congregation – that we hope will
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 5
continue to nurture existing connections and create new ones.
We still have a lot of work in front of us that will require the input of each Kol Ami family to continue to position us for the bright days ahead of us. This month, we will welcome our first Rabbinical candidate. We will also meet to approve our 2018-19 budget and new slate of Trustees to join the Board for a two-year term.
As we embark upon this critical work, it is even more important that we all participate in the process. In Pirke Avot,
Rabbi Yossi teaches “it is not incumbent upon [us] to finish the task, but neither are [we] free to absolve [ourselves] from it.” Each of us brings a unique perspec-tive to the table. In doing so, we must be willing to listen to each other and understand each other’s positions. It is not ok, as Rabbi Yossi teaches, to simply withdraw from the community and the process because of a difference of opinion, but rather, it is incumbent upon each of us to do this work together.
This work comes in many forms, but all begin with being present: being present at services, at classes, and serving on committees. It takes a lot of time, energy and effort to do the holy work of Congregation Kol Ami. The more hands helping with the work, the easier that work becomes. The richer we become for assisting in it. The closer we draw to Hashem as a result of participating.
As we gather to consider each Rabbinical candidate that our Search Committee brings forward, each of us will have an opinion on whether the candidate will help us achieve our spiritual needs. Each of our opinions must be heard. The same holds true as we approve our next slate of Trustees and our 2018-19 budget. While we all might not agree on how we get to the end result, doing the holy work of our congregation is the obliga-tion of each us – both by being present physically and financially. We should not base our decisions to participate on the issues of the day, but rather on our belief in Kol Ami’s vision – to be a place where Judaism and Joy are one! By basing such decisions on how we feel about the issues of the day, only Congregation Kol Ami suffers. While it is certainly the right of each of us to “vote with our feet” or in this case with our wallet, doing so harms Kol Ami’s ability to continue to grow and move forward. Doing so is withdrawing from the holy work incumbent upon each of us to ensure the long-term suc-cess of Kol Ami for the next 40 years and beyond.
The Future is Here. We are it.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 57786
By Mike Korenvaes - House Committee Chair
The Facility Focus
House Highlights
On January 28th at 9:00 a.m., the Chai Guys (men and women) worked on the landscape. We concentrated on the Chapel, School and Office entrance ways, as well as the crepe myrtles and direction
signage. Pictures will follow in next month’s Chai Lites.
The trash bin in the north parking lot was reinforced and new slats were put in. It was also painted, saving KA hundreds of dollars.
All new toilets were installed in the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms replacing the original ones that have been in use since the 1980s. This was done through our
our facility in addition to the many items implemented over the past 2 years.
Stay tuned for updates in future ChaiLites.
........................................................If you have any information or suggestions to share regarding safety and security, or if you are interested in joining the Security Team, please feel free to contact Jon Zimmer at [email protected].
Yasher Koach to the following team members who volunteered their time to cover all Friday and Saturday Shabbat services in the month of January.
Dan Ochman Jack Rudowsky Gary Teblum Jon Zimmer Mario Rodriguez Mike Korenvaes
Depreciation Fund.
Future Projects
1. Landscaping at the Sanctuary entrance.
2. Working on the Memorial Garden – power washing, landscaping etc.
3. Reviewing exterior signage to replace or refresh (in conjunction with the Decorating Committee).
4. Coordinating the installation of the Homeland Security Grant.
Security Spotlight by Jon Zimmer
This month, we have continued contact-ing many vendors to get quotes for the security projects we will be doing over the coming months for the Homeland Security Grant.
We have met with multiple electrical, fencing and camera vendors and will continue to meet with additional ones to get to a minimum of three bids as is required per commodity. We have been in constant communication with the State of Florida Emergency Management for this process.
We are very excited to begin this project and implement new and additional security projects that will help enhance
Friday Oneg $40 Saturday Kiddush $180
Help Kol Ami!!
Sponsor for a Life Cycle Event Birthday, Graduation,
Anniversary, Baby Naming or Wedding
Contact the executive director – Mitchell Weiss at 813-962-6338
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 7
W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 8
C O N G R E G A T I O N K O L A M I I N V I T E S Y O U
PURIM 2018
Megillah READINGS
T h u r s d a y , M a r c h 1
6 P M - P A S T A D I N N E R
7 P M - M E G I L L A H R E A D I N GD e s s e r t R e c e p t i o n F o l l o w i n g S e r v i c e s
7 : 1 5 A M - M E G I L L A H R E A D I N G C o f f e e & C o o k i e s F o l l o w i n g S e r v i c e s
P L E A S E R S V P B Y W E D N E S D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 2 1 F R O N T O F F I C E @ K O L A M I . O R G | 8 1 3 - 9 6 2 - 6 3 3 8
AND Pasta Dinner
$ 5 p e r p e r s o n O R $ 2 0 p e r f a m i l y
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 57788
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 9
Please join us for our next Howard Kanter Kiddush Fund Luncheon on Saturday, February 17, 2018. These complimentary luncheons will be catered by Edibles by Ethel and will also be open to non-members in the
greater Jewish Community.
Although members are not required to RSVP to attend, we do ask that any non-members who plan to attend contact the Kol Ami office at (813) 962-6338 to make reservations so we can prepare appropriately.
The Kiddush Fund, created by Kol Ami member, Howard Kanter (z”l), is now providing one Kiddush Luncheon per month on a Shabbat that does not have a Kiddush Luncheon spon-sored by members or another committee of the synagogue.
Your extra donations (in addition to your usual contributions to Kol Ami) will help insure this effort for years to come. Donors will be recognized in the Weekly Watch and Shabbat Shalom the week of the sponsored luncheon.
We hope to see you on February 17. Also, please be sure to mingle and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know at these wonderful opportunities to make new friends and enjoy fellowship with your Kol Ami family.
What better way to say goodbye to the first Shabbat of 2018 than with Havdallah followed by a movie? 30 people thought it was a great idea as they gathered on January 6th to enjoy Havdallah followed by The Jazz Singer with Neil Diamond. Although due to cold weather we could not have Havdallah under the stars, Rabbi Siegel and Cantor Beth made up for it by leading a warm and beautiful Havdallah. Then it was time to enjoy some freshly made popcorn and “theater” snacks along with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate as everyone settled in to enjoy the movie. At the end, people left humming tunes from the movie with smiles on their faces.
Special thanks to Jody Sampson-Nair for chairing this event and to Rabbi Siegel and Cantor Beth for leading us in a beautiful and meaningful Havdallah (check out that giant Havdallah candle).
Thank you also to Sylvia Richman, Jacqui Ramirez, Mike Koren-vaes, Cindy Korenvaes, Mitch Weiss, and our wonderful popcorn makers, Gwen and Matt Niehoff for all your help in making this night a success.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 577810
Let Sisterhood share your Simcha!Does your family have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah coming up? Celebrat-ing a special Birthday, Anniversary, Baby Naming or other Simcha? Would you like to sponsor a Kiddush or Kiddush luncheon? For more information and Sisterhood Simcha Kiddush prices, please contact Sisterhood at: [email protected]. Kol Ami Sisterhood
Sisterhood Needle Workers meet weekly, every Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m. in the Jaffe Board Room. A special Sunday session has been planned for Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
The Needle Workers make fabric quilt wall hangings, and are knitting and crocheting squares to make quilts and afghans. All of these are donated to the First Nesters, a group that provides housing for local teens aging out of foster care. The Needle Workers are also donating to other charitable organizations.
If you love to knit and visit with friends, please consider joining us. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Tarica at [email protected].
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 11
Kol Ami Brotherhood Kol Ami Sisterhood (cont’d)
The Shape of Things to Come!The year 2017 has been both challenging and amazing for the Brotherhood of Kol Ami. When we started this journey in April, 2017, we were not certain how things would work out. We were a new Board with not much expertise in creating/reviving an organization. Then we initiated the Beer Tasting Party, Color the Congregation, Night at the Trop, and Pub Night. The response from the men of the congregation has been great. We now have 129 paid members, 13 new members whose 1st year dues are complimentary and 8 senior members whose dues are complimentary for life. This surge in membership has permitted us to help fund Kol Ami’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas” program as well as to make a donation (along with Sisterhood) to the Gala in December. We instituted the first ever Brother-hood survey and are still analyzing and discussing the results. We had some great responses that will assist us in planning future fun events. As we enter 2018, I hope that more of you will step up and help us develop your Brotherhood. Your Board works hard, but we can’t do it all. If you would volunteer to do just one little thing for just one activity, we could have a fantastic fun-packed year. (continued on next page)
Bright and early on Monday, January 8, found several women baking and chatting in the Kol Ami Kitchen. Why were we baking – to make delicious brownies, coffee cake, lemon cake, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, salted caramel cookies and others to use for Friday night Onegs and Saturday morning Kiddushes. If these make your mouth water, attend services on a Friday night or Saturday morning when Sisterhood provides the Oneg or Kiddush and sample some to see which is your favorite!
Thank you to Sue Dvorchik, Nancy Graff, Debby Greenberg, Cindy Korenvaes, Gwen Niehoff, Randie Specter, and Anna Visher for giving up your morning to bake with us. If you haven’t been involved or are new to the synagogue, this is a great way to connect with old friends or make some new ones and have some fun along the way. Watch your Sisterhood emails for our next baking day.
Hope to see you there!
Baking Day is Always a Fun Day!
Tampa Jewish Family Services (TJFS) food distribution is offered once a month at the agency’s Citrus Park and Brandon locations.
Distribution dates for February are:Citrus Park: February 1 Brandon: February 8
Both locations offer emergency food bank distribution on weekdays by appointment only. Pick-up for both services must be arranged in advance by calling 813-960-1848. Please help spread the word in your community that this service is available in Citrus Park and Brandon. If you would like to make a contri-bution, please drop off canned goods or a monetary donation to the agency’s Citrus Park location at 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa, FL 33625. Brandon location is Congregation Beth Shalom, 706 Bryan Rd, Brandon, FL 33511.
TJFS will never turn away an individual or family in need.
Tampa Jewish Family Services Community Food Bank
Chai-R-ing BabysittersBabysitters: Send your name & telephone number to [email protected].
Parents: Email [email protected] for contact info for babysitters. Interview the sitters you hire – we do not provide references for babysitters.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 577812
Our first 2nd Sunday Lecture & Brunch was a resounding success. Over 60 men and women attended. None of this would have been possible without our great chefs, Michael Binder, Charlie Chagares, Dan Berman, Steve Freedman, Steve Glass-berg, and Herman Greenberg. We also want to give Kudos to our mashgiach, Sue Dvorchik, without whom we truly would have been ducks out of water.
On December 8-10, the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs held its first ever West Coast of Florida Shabbaton and Leadership Training Weekend. Men (and women) from Kol Ami, Beth Am and Beth Shalom attended Friday night services at Kol Ami. Then on to the Dvorchiks’ home for dinner and more conversa-tion. Saturday were services, Kiddush lunch and more meet and greet at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater. On Saturday evening, close to 75 Jewish men, women and children from across the area gathered together to eat, drink and root for the Lightning. Sunday, we were at Congregation B’nai Israel for morning minyan, brunch, a short program and Leadership Training. The latter was conducted over a deli lunch sponsored by the Mitzvah Men of B’nai Israel. The weekend was a great success and we are looking forward to holding fun filled joint programming with our brothers around the tri-city area.
February is another active month. On Sunday, February 4, in the morning, we have the World-Wide Wrap where men and women will gather together to pray with our Kol Yeladim students, sharing, encouraging, and teaching the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin. Then at 5:45 p.m., join us for the Brotherhood Super Bowl Party. Finally, on Sunday, February 11, we will hold the first 2nd Sunday Lecture & Brunch in 2018. Following breakfast, we will hear from Andrew Warren, State Attorney of Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County. He will be speaking on Criminal Justice Reform in Hillsborough County.
From our homes to yours, the Board of the Brotherhood wishes all a Happy and Healthy 2018.
(Kol Ami Brotherhood, continued)
Kol Ami Brotherhood (cont’d)
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 13
For more information on any TOLLL classes, please call Kol Ami at 813-962-6338 or email [email protected].
Shabbat in February
Gutsy Torah with Rabbi SiegelSaturdays, February 3, 17, and 24 at 8:30 a.m.
• A weekly Shabbat morning discussion of the Torah portion of the week with some attitude. A wonderful way to learn there is more to Torah than meets the eye!
Mondays in February
Conversational HebrewMondays, February 12, 19 and 26 at 1:00 p.m.
• The Book they will be using is Colloquial Hebrew, by Zippi Littleton and Tamar Wang. No knowledge of Hebrew is required, but knowledge of the Alef Bet is helpful.
Tuesdays in February
L’Chaim-Sharing Life’s LessonsTuesdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 11:00 a.m.
• Discussion topics vary with a different leader each week. Friendly group sharing our life’s lessons. Everyone is welcome. Coordinators: Debby Greenberg, Sue Dvorchik, Sylvia Richman
Kol Ami TOLLL Book ClubTuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.
• Helen by Anita Mishook. A debut novel taking place in the 1930’s, telling the story of Nazi sympathizers in southern California.
Wednesdays in February
If I Am Not for Myself Who Is For Me: A Course in Jewish Ethics with Rabbi SiegelWednesdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 11:00 a.m.
• This course will use Pirke Avot: Ethics of Our Ancestors as a springboard to discussion and debate on issues of the day in the light of Jewish moral / ethical demands.
Israel – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow with Ephraim GraffWednesdays, February 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.
• February 7 – Israel and the Palestinians: In the Middle East • February 14 –- Israel: Challenges and Opportunities
Thursdays in February
Talmud Study with Rabbi SiegelThursdays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 10:30 a.m.
• Swimming in the Sea of Talmud: Talmud Study with Rabbi Siegel
• “ How about taking a dip in the sea of Talmud (Jewish Law)?” Jewish Law confronts everything from capital punishment to How to Make Rain. There is seldom a dull moment in this learning. This is open to everyone from beginners thru experts. Texts are provided.
Sunday in February
Class Series Presented by Tree of Life Long Learning
with Ephraim Graff
All classes meet at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7 Israel and the Palestinians: In the Middle East
Wed., Feb. 14 Israel: Challenges and Opportunities
Israel: Yesterday, Today, and
Tomorrow
The Academy at Kol Ami
8th & 9th Grades
The 8th and 9th grades will be instructed by Jennifer Halls. We will engage the students through discussions that will bring Pirkei Avot, the ethics of our fathers, and Torah to the forefront of their lives. We will also include some young adult Jewish book studies and writings from a Jewish perspective. This class will meet at Kol Ami on Sunday mornings, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., on these dates: Feb. 4, Mar. 4, and Apr. 8.
Confirmation (10th Grade)Confirmation will be instructed by Rabbi Siegel. The Kol Ami Confirmation pro-gram is designed to help our students gain new perspectives of themselves and others. This is the age at which teens are seeking individuality and starting to make personal choices about essential issues.
Through a variety of approaches, our teens have an opportunity to grow as Jews and to view Judaism as a continu-ous resource to them. Topics addressed are those which are of current concern to the students and which will become more relevant as they begin their college careers. Some topics might be:
• Substance Abuse and Self-Esteem • Jewish Life on Campus • Israel and Me • Social Justice • To Be a Jew in the World
As a culminating event, the Confirma-tion Class will lead a very special Shabbat service on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
Second semester this class will meet Sunday mornings, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on these dates: Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Mar. 25, Apr. 8, Apr. 22, and May 19.
We invite all 8th – 12th graders to join us for a year of discussion and learning. For more information or to register, please visit the Post B’nai Mitzvah Class on the Kol Ami website.
It is important to note that Confirmation marks the culmination of years of study. Students who wish to be Confirmed must complete the 8th and 9th grade classes of The Academy.
Brunch with the Rabbi (11th & 12th Grades)The 11th and 12th grades will be instruct-ed by Rabbi Siegel. We will be using a curriculum based on Jewish “middot” utilizing Jewish texts, short films, interest-ing narratives, and classroom discussion. High school can be filled with confusing and difficult events and even more difficult decisions. Our Academy program will help to bring Jewish values and perspectives to light which will help to guide them through these times. This brunch will take place on Sunday, once each month, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., on these dates: Feb. 4, Mar. 4, and Apr. 8.
8th / 9th Grades
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
February 4, 2018
March 4, 2018
April 8, 2018
Confirmation (10th grade)
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
February 4, 2018
March 4, 2018
March 25, 2018
April 8, 2018
April 22, 2018
May 19, 2018 Confirmation Shabbat
Brunch with the Rabbi (11th / 12th grades)
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
February 4, 2018
March 4, 2018
April 8, 2018
Note that dates and times are subject to change.
The Academy Calendar
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 577814
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 15
Brrrrr. It’s Florida winter and we are back in session here at Kol Yeladim. We are starting off Semester 2 learning and eating our way through to Purim, YES, Purim is just a few weeks away! So many things to learn about this month. We started with an Americana
Shabbat, then Tu B’Shvat, then we’ll slide into Adar with our Purim Carnival!
We hope everyone enjoyed Joe Buchanan for our Americana Shabbat. Joe worked with our students during Sunday school with his Choosing to be Chosen Workshop. The kids really enjoyed the spirit of the weekend.
Our students have been working on Tu B’Shvat art projects and learning about this Seder. Keep an eye out for the parsley sprouts as we near Pesach! This is a great time to plant some trees, do some gardening or just enjoy nature’s beauty!
Purim is coming, Purim is coming! (Sung to the tune of Paul Revere’s Ride) In my house, Purim is the most wonderful time
Kids’ KonnectionsBy Jennifer Halls, Co-Education Director
of year. The students are working on a Purim Spiel, written by our very own teacher, Marc Sanders. We are so excited to perform it for everyone at our Amazing, Spectacular, Marvelous Purim Carnival! This will be the best Carnival EVER!!! We hope you can join us and bring your friends too.
By now you should have received report cards for 1st Semester. Please feel free to call or touch base with us if you have any questions or concerns.
It’s cold outside but feeling warm here at Kol Yeladim, where we are building a community of the next generation!
2/4 ........... World-Wide Wrap Day w/ Brotherhood2/11 ......... Hamentaschen Baking2/16 ......... 3rd Grade Class Shabbat2/17 ......... Jr. Congregation 10:00 -11:30 a.m.2/25 ......... Purim Carnival
With all that is happening this month at Kol Yeladim, we look forward to seeing everyone at Shul!
Jennifer Halls and Cantor Beth
All young families are welcome!Join us as we celebrate Shabbat at several exciting programs
throughout the year filled with guitar-playing, singing,
dancing, friendship and delicious food!
Friday evenings throughout the year
Enjoy a pizza dinner followed by a child-friendly musical service led by Rabbi Siegel and David Berger
And then it’s on to our ice cream dessert!
PJs not required – dress comfortably. (Parents, please dress comfortably too – jeans are okay).
Everyone is welcome! These programs are recommended for families with chil-dren ages 15 months through 2nd grade. Watch your emails for details about each of these special events!
Join us for our Pizza & PJ’s Shabbat Events:
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 2 Friday, June 8
Cost for this event is $5 per person,
with a $25 family maximum.
Children 3 & under are free.
Congregation Kol Ami invites you to our 2018
Join us!
Friday, March 2nd,
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Kadima reached new heights at Altitude indoor Trampoline Gym, participating in gladiator battles, foam pits, jump contests, trampoline
dodge ball and Olympic style trampolines. They are looking forward to celebrating Tu B’Shvat at Tree Hoppers on February 4th and Yom Universal on February 18th.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 577816
(Youth Groups cont’d. on next page)
Chaverim had a blast dancing around with their friends at the JCC for their Tzedakah and Disco Dance Party. They are looking forward to their next event, the JCC Family Lego Dinner at the JCC on March 4th!
Youth GroupsBy Rachel Degani, Youth Director
Boneem had fun indulging in ice cream for their special Tu B’Shvat seder with their friends at Rodeph Sholom. They are looking forward to their February event at the JCC, baking Challah and Tye-dying on February 11th.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 5778 17
Youth Groups (cont’d)
USY partied with their friends over at Rodeph Sholom with live music, a kosher food truck, bonfires, smores, and an arcade truck for their Rodeph
Rocks event. They also had a blast at their Mid-Winter Conven-tions in Ocala with friends from all over the Mercaz region. USY is looking forward to staying up all night for their lock-in on February 10-11th.
Junior Congregation
Join us once a month for our brand new Junior Congregation services led by our very own Debbie Newhouse, with the help of all of our amazing students!
This service is geared for kids in grades 3-7. We will celebrate Shabbat through songs, games, plays, and more! Don’t miss this wonderful interactive Shabbat service!
Services begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel.
Junior Congregation 2018 dates
February 17, 2018 March 24, 2018Cole Bennett
February 24, 2018 / 9 Adar 5778
B’nai Mitzvah Beat
KAUSY at USY Mercaz Mid-Winter Convention 2018 on Sunday, January 28thFrom Left to Right: Jillian Dunayer, Alyssa Chernin, Ilan Rappa-port, Ari Solomon, Jacob Nair, London Billington, Joey Benjamin, Youth Advisor Abby Salem-Goldman
Saturday, February 10RABBI CANDIDATE INTERVIEW WEEKEND
Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Wohl ............................8:30 a.m.
Shabbat Services with Rabbi Wohl ..................................9:30 a.m.
Honor the memory of a loved one with a bronze plaque on a memorial board in our sanctuary for a donation of $360. Please notify the office if you would like to receive yahrzeit notifications for additional loved ones.
Congregation Kol Ami • February 2018 • Shevat / Adar 577820
Robert Shor
27 Marion Kaplan
Hannah Rubin
Joseph Shapiro
Mark J. Reader
28 Max Friedman
Selma Abrahams Schwaid
Esther Sussman
Alan Shapiro
29 Terry Miller
Mel Benstock
Harris Meisel
30 Elaine Katz
Salomon Wainberg
Aaron Kraselsky
Joe Reingold
Adar Yahrzeits
1 Harold Zeidel
Mildred Kauffman Fingerhut
Marian Cohn
Frieda Korenvaes
Marian Cohn
Victor Kurjan
2 Leopold Finsterwald
Mannie Adelson
Louis Sachs
Leonard Visher
3 Shoshana Davis
Clara Jacobs
Samuel Weinapple
4 Gladys Wieder
Pearl Wainberg
Rod Heiser
Helen Goldsmith
5 Rose Bliden
Roger Jaye
Charlotte Koss
Israel Tarica
Lewis Hark
6 Gloria Lepler
Henrietta Gallun Chernin
Robert Graney
Beatrice Jaffe
7 William Goldchain
Mary Drezner
Evelyn Ronis
Nettie Barasofsky
Gary N. Yaker
Mario Rodriguez
8 Nathan Bisk
Dora Entis
Bernard Dvorchik
Sylvia Ruffkess
William Valins
9 Meyer Klayman
Eli Cross
10 Victor Sherman
Gertrude Hirschberg
11 Samuel Swerdin
Dorothy Levy
Bessie Hark
Ivan Margolis
Miriam Ruth Kempler
Blanche Sefkin Birnbaum
12 Herb Goldstein
Manya Vinokurov
David Blecher
Yetta Levinson
Anita Hyatt
13 Louis Druian
Laurel Naomi Swerdin
Jaime Wainberg
February Birthdays
1 Elizabeth Echelman
2 Malka Isaak
David Ruby
Michael Miller
3 Keaton Bennett
Keith Kanarek
Ellen Ehrenpreis
4 Ilana Levy
Elizabeth Horwitz
Leonard Marks
Miriam Rattes
Justin Kuhn
5 David Lazarus
Walter Sanders
6 Deborah Greenberg
7 Noah Jacobson
8 Mayer Fishman
9 Elaine Broverman
Abigail Cross
Shaina Shuford
Charlie Chagares
Abrea Firestone
10 Sarah Bobo
Anne Weiner
Jason Broverman
11 Irving Venger
12 Samuel Bulmash
Naomi Berger
Chonee Kalin
13 Orlando Dixon
Marshall Arkin
Sheila Shapiro
Arthur Rosenblatt
Glenn Koury
14 Guenita Kanarek
Rotem Schwartz
Phyllis Gould
15 Roberta Baer
Max Rattes
Kefa Dixon
Melvin Goodman
17 Kenneth Hark
18 Madison Sanders
Rachel Fishman
19 Rebecca Long
Kevin Cross
20 Ethan Pliskow
Carnot Nelson
Lauryn Solomon
Gary Gould
Abby Solondz
21 Aviel Kalin
Melissa Lesher
Devyn Broverman
Birthdays & AnniversariesOnce a month, we celebrate all of our members’ birthdays and anniversaries for that month. Your name(s) and birthday or anniversary will be included in the Shabbat Shalom and you will be invited up to the bima for a special treat.
The February Birthday / Anniversary Shabbat will be celebrated on Friday, February 9, at Shabbat services, starting at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to join us!
Donate!
There are many ways to get involved in Congregation Kol Ami and making a donation is always a great way to support our Shul and the programs that we offer. You can now make your donations on-line using your credit card. To do so, go to: https://kolami.org/donate-payments
Congregation Kol Ami • Rabbi Howard Siegel • Cantor Beth Schlossberg • Mitchell Weiss, Executive DirectorJennifer Halls, Co-Education Director • Rachel Degani, Youth Director • Avi Elias, President